Sam Byford:
Steven Sinofsky, the Microsoft executive in charge of Windows, has left the company. Julie Larson-Green is to assume control of Windows software and hardware engineering, and CFO Tami Reller will be in charge of the Windows business. The changes are effective immediately, and no reason was given for Sinofsky’s departure.
A couple of things come to mind.
First, is this a sign that Ballmer is unhappy with Windows 8? If so, why didn’t he step in sooner.
Secondly, putting the CFO in charge of your biggest product doesn’t seem like the best idea. If Microsoft is unhappy with Windows 8, why not put someone who can execute some changes in charge?
When Apple let Forstall go a couple of weeks ago, we all felt relieved when we saw who had been put in charge of iOS and its design. Maybe Reller can do it, but on the surface of it, I’m not impressed with this change.
All this aside, there sure is some big talent on the market for hire.